Call For Artists Imagining the Future of Climate Action

Overview

The Institute for the Future (IFTF), is accepting proposals for provocative representations of the future of climate action, as part of a broader research project that is designed to inspire engagement. This request for proposals (RFP) is open to all individuals and organizations. All artistic formats and representations will be considered. Globally-minded projects are highly desirable. Proposals will be accepted from March 26th-April 9th 2018. Selected projects will be announced by April 13th. Creatives must attend a workshop in Palo Alto, CA from May 10-11, 2018 and will have until July 31, 2018 to complete works. Just the concept is needed in order to apply. The workshop on May 11th will be a chance to refine your idea with other creatives, designers and futurists.

Deadline to apply: April 9th, 2018

Selected projects announced: April 13, 2018

Benefits to Creator

A stipend of US$2,500, along with up to 3 nights in a hotel and economy flights costs to attend the workshop

May 10th: Spend a day with world-renowned climate experts

May 11th: Spend a day with researchers and designers in a creative workshopdesigned to further inspire your work

Your work will be part of a public campaign about inspiring climate actionamong global stakeholders

Dystopian/Utopian Visions of Climate Action

Although humanity has gone through decades of climate-related issues (ozone depletion and extreme climate change and weather), these issues may seem too overwhelming and ominous for people to really consider on a personal level. It is difficult to consider "How does it affect me? What could I possibly do to help?" This, in turn, makes it hard for people to act. Climate action is about more than climate change—it’s about the triggers needed to spark widespread change in human behavior, on a scale ranging from grassroots movements to multilateral diplomatic policy.

Institute for the Future has a rich history of using provocative future scenarios to inspire action. We want to see provocative visions from you, that demonstrate the utopian and/or dystopian futures of climate action and fit within our criteria for eligibility. We’re looking for creatives who can put us into the future of climate action, whether from a personal or humanity-level point of view, with the hope that your art will spark a change of mindset and of action.

Your visualization will be a part of a larger research project about climate action, to provoke the public’s imagination in ways that pure research may not.

Questions to consider

What does climate action look like?What new kinds of climate action might be emerging? What will the result of climate action look like in 2028?How will your art be used to spark climate action?

Eligibility criteria

Funds are designated for one-time use and not for the ongoing support of an organization or individual

Funds must be used to support the creator's development of a future of climate action related work

Applicants can be at any stage of their careers, but must have a track record of developed work that demonstrates their capacity to complete the proposed project and to manage the level of funds requested

Creators must be over the age of 18

Creators must be fluent in English

This process is open to all artistic disciplines

Creators may reside in any country

Artwork must be original

Artwork may be physical but must be digitally shareable in a meaningful way (photo or video). The proposal should describe how this work would be shared.

Review process

Applications will be reviewed by IFTF staff and collaborators on the basis of

The quality of the project concept in relation to the future of climate action

Focus on the future 10 years out

Aesthetic rigor and artistic excellence

The creator's (or organization's) ability to complete the project and use the financial support effectively

Deadlines

The process closes Monday April 9th at 11:59 p.m. (PST). We will not accept applications after this time. IFTF will announce awardees by Friday April 13th.

How to apply

Proposals will be accepted through email submission to climateaction@iftf.org beginning March 26th, 2018, subject line: [First name, last name] proposal

In the email body or as an attachment:

Abstract (up to 50 words): Please describe the project or idea in one or two brief sentences

Detailed project description (up to 500 words): Describe the proposed project, its genesis, and its stages. Describe how the project addresses climate action and how people will interact with it

Artistic practice (up to 300 words): Describe the creator’s history and experience working with future related content

Impact (External) (maximum 400 words): Describe your intended artistic and community goals, and the project's arc of change from start to finish, however modest or ambitious, based on your own criteria. Use active verbs that provide a realistic sense of what you hope the project can accomplish. How will you know if your goals have been achieved?

Impact (Internal) (maximum 300 words): What impact would this project have on you (or your organization)?

Work samples: Please submit three representative work samples with a short explanation (up to 100 words each) of how each relates to the proposed project. If available, please include any relevant links to portfolios, articles, etc.